Hair loss isn't just about genetics: it can be prevented or slowed

“I think hair loss is caused by genetics. Is this something that can’t be helped?”

This is one of the most common and saddest things I hear in the doctor's office. Many people often feel resigned to the fact that they have inherited the hair loss gene, as if it were an inevitable fate. But is that really the case? Modern science tells us a different story. The truth is that genes do not 100% determine our fate.

1. The truth revealed by identical twin studies

If hair loss is determined solely by genes, then identical twins with 100% identical genetic information should have the same everything, including when hair loss begins, the rate at which it progresses, and even the type of hair loss. But the reality is not like that. Several twin studies have revealed important facts about hair loss.

• Discordant hair loss patterns:Studies have shown that even among identical twins, one suffers from severe hair loss while the other has no or very mild hair loss. This is strong evidence that even if the genes are the same, the environment and lifestyle each person lives in has a decisive influence on the occurrence of hair loss.
• Effects of treatment:When one of the identical twins with hair loss received active treatment and the other did not receive treatment, the course was markedly different. The treated twins' hair condition improved or stayed the same, while the untreated twin's hair loss continued to worsen. This shows that even if there is a genetic predisposition, the course can be sufficiently changed through active intervention.

These twin studies give us a clear message. Genes are just a 'blueprint', and whether, when, and how a building will be built according to the blueprint can vary depending on other factors.

2. ‘Epigenetics’, which turns genes on and off

So, how do other factors besides genes that affect hair loss work? The answer can be found in ‘Epigenetics’. Epigenetics is a study that studies how, although our DNA sequence itself does not change, the 'switch' of certain genes can be turned on (expressed) or turned off (suppressed) depending on what we eat, how we live, and what environment we are exposed to.

Even if you were born with a hair loss gene, that gene may remain dormant for your entire life. However, if the following acquired factors are continuously applied, the 'switch' of the dormant hair loss gene is turned 'ON'.

• Chronic inflammation of the scalp: seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, etc.
• Nutritional imbalance: Deficiency of iron, zinc, vitamin D, etc.
• Excessive or persistent stress: Effects of the stress hormone 'cortisol'
• Lack of sleep: Decreased secretion of growth hormones and reduced body recovery ability.
• Smoking and drinking: Reduced blood circulation and increased oxidative stress.

Conversely, if we actively manage and improve these negative factors, it means that we can reduce the 'volume' of switches that have already been turned on, or delay as much as possible the turning on of switches that have not yet been turned on.

3. You are the ‘conductor’ of your genes

There is a saying, "Genetics load the bullet; it's lifestyle that pulls the trigger." The same goes for hair loss. There is no need to be frustrated and resigned to the fact that you have inherited the hair loss gene. It just means you're at a slightly more disadvantageous starting line than others, and it's by no means a race with a fixed finish line.

Through efforts such as keeping our scalp healthy, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and getting enough sleep, we can become the 'conductor' who directs the orchestra of our genes. And with the help of a professional and active treatment, we can change the direction of genes, prevent or slow down the progression of hair loss, and even restore the health of lost hair. Hair loss is not ‘only’ due to genetics. It is a manageable disease that can be changed with enough effort on your part.